Wise words and practical ideas from Trinity News readers and noted Sabbath authors. These are excerpts from the Sabbath edition of Trinity News (Wall Street, NYC).
Keep it Simple: Prayer Prayer is the most traditional of Sabbath keepers. Prayer practices the presence of God. It pays attention to God as part of life. Whether in grace before meals, or in morning and evening prayers, or in prayers for a specific purpose, prayer keeps Sabbath. It sets aside time for God in the midst of time for other purposes. It can be words of petition or praise, a breath, a sigh, or a laugh. — from Sabbath Keeping by Donna Schaper
Pick an Appliance, Any Appliance Sabbath can only begin if we close the factory, turn out the lights, turn off the computer, and withdraw from the concerns of the marketplace. Chose at least one heavily used appliance or device — the telephone, television, computer, washer/dryer — and don’t use it for a Sabbath period. Whether it is a morning, afternoon, or entire day, surrender to a quality of time when you will not be disturbed, seduced, or responsive to what our technologies have to offer. Notice how you respond to its absence. — from Sabbath by Wayne Muller
Different Focus I have been giving thought to the sunset time on Saturday as a reminder to begin to wind down from my pursuits and warm up to the idea of rest on Sunday. In reality, I do work on Sunday, but I have a completely different focus as I begin the day. I don’t rush, I do not complain, I do not worry. I am open to the Holy Spirit and remind myself that each person I meet may be needing a “rest” even more than I do. — Reader Tandy Maxfield, via e-mail
The Musician’s Sabbath When I come home at night, and even in the mornings, I never listen to music. I just like the silence. Because I compose and perform music for a living, I associate silence with rest. Maybe it’s just the sounds of the forest, or the beach (if you’re lucky enough to live near one). I hear silence as Sabbath. — Owen Burdick, organist and choirmaster, Trinity Church
Many of us don’t think much about Sabbath observances but keeping Sabbath is one way to slow down your life and listen to the still small word of God. If you have a Sabbath practice you would like to share, we will compile a list of St. Andrew’s parish Sabbath keepers for future publication.
Peace,
Father Mark
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